Closures in effect March 1 - June 30: Rockfellow Group and Cochise Dome (WML Dome) MORE INFO >>>

Effective this date and until further notice, Special Closure Order 05-189, dated March 18, 2002, is hereby amended as follows: All persons are permitted access into the Squaretop Area, which includes all existing rock climbing sites and/or domes (i.e. Squaretop and Lower Squaretop), Dragoon Mountains in Township 17 South, Range 23 East, the East ½ of the Northeast ¼ of Section 27 and the Northeast ¼ of the Southeast ¼ of Section 27.

Unless exempt with a permit specifically authorizing the prohibited activity, no persons may be upon any part of Rockfellow Dome Complex and/or Cochise Dome (aka Whats My Line Dome) by rock climbing or any other means of access, annually from March 1st through June 30th; and/or

Unless exempt with a permit specifically authorizing the prohibited activity, no overnight camping is permitted within Rockfellow Dome Park (Township 17, Range 23 East, West ½ Section 26) annually from March 1st through June 30th.

This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund,
and Mountain Project.You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates.

Description

Cochise Stronghold is a spectacular landscape of rugged canyons and towering granite domes. While there is something for everyone in this vast area, those seeking traditional, multi pitch climbing will have a special appreciation for climbing in the Dragoon Mountains. Still, Cochise offers more sport climbing than its reputation, or any current guide, suggests (though not enough to put it in the category of a sport climbing destination). Two of the most popular spots, Sweet Rock and Zappa Dome, are covered only on this site. There is also a great deal of multi-pitch "sport" climbing although virtually all of these climbs require an occasional gear placement or chickenhead tie-off. Many of these routes on the larger domes are not documented in any guide--though increasingly, they are showing up on this site--and therefore care must be taken not to get off route.

Climbing in Cochise Stronghold is a backcountry experience. The remote setting, coupled with the committing nature of many of the climbs here, require preparation beyond that of roadside cragging on Mt Lemmon. The terrain is rugged and maze-like, and it is generally easier to get lost than to get where you are going. Allow plenty of time for approaches and err on the side of caution.

The amount of rock in Cochise Stronghold is large, and some of the rock is of outstanding quality. Many super classic routes, put up by pioneering climbers since the 1970's, ascend the various spires and domes in the area. Many of the quality crack climbs in Southern Arizona are found here, as are some of the longest routes in this part of the state. Some of these historic routes are difficult, committing, and runout. If you can't climb them this way, go climb something else. With regards to new route development, this area is evolving. If you are considering a new line, ask yourself if you are truly contributing something of quality to what is already there. You may be looking at a line that has already been done! Please ask around before you drill!

This area is of great cultural significance to some people. Treat it with due respect. User impact has increased at the Stronghold in recent years, particularly human waste. Please pack everything out!

Cochise is climbable year round. However, only the most heat-tolerant individuals climb there in the summer, and early. Spring and fall are the best times, but winter offers good climbing weather on most days as well, particularly in sunny exposures.

Current closures for raptor nesting (as of 2011) include Rockfellow Group and Cochise (WML) Dome from March 1 - June 30. Official closure details are posted above, and in the Rockfellow and What's My Line areas on this site. Check with the US Forest Service Douglas Ranger District for changes and current closures.

Getting There

Drive east from Tucson on I-10 towards Benson.

For the east Stronghold, take exit 318 (Dragoon Rd.) off I-10. As you enter the tiny town of Dragoon (after a couple of miles), set your odometer at the post office and go 7.5 miles to a right turn onto Cochise Stronghold Road. Follow this until it ends at a T intersection with Ironwood Road; take a right and head into the Stronghold. The east Stronghold is accessible to any passenger car.

For the west Stronghold, head south from Benson on highway 80 for about 20 miles and turn left on Middlemarch Road a couple of miles before Tombstone (this is less than a mile after the permanent border patrol checkpoint). Follow this road for 10 miles to a left hand turn onto forest road 687 (just after a cattle guard). For Sheepshead, take the first right after about 1/2 mile. For the west Stronghold crags (as well as alternate access to the Rockfellows), follow the road for 30 to 45 minutes to its end in west Stronghold canyon. Some crags, such as Isle of Ewe, Sweet Rock, and Warpath Dome, are accessible from various points along this road. he west Stronghold roads are a bit rougher and also require 10 initial miles of washboard road to access. Still, passenger cars show up all the time at Sheepshead and Isle of Ewe areas. Driving a passenger car all the way to the end of forest road 687 is another matter and you will want to be skilled and/or not care especially about your car.

Also of note is that the fastest way to get from the east to the west and southwest areas is via Middlemarch Road rather than the highway, if you don't mind a bumpy dirt road for fifty minutes.

Camping

Access to free camping spots can be rougher, particularly the road to Batline Dome, but there is plenty of camping accessible to any car. On the east side, camping can be found after crossing the cattle guard (on Ironwood Road) with the large forest service sign. An immediate right leads to Batline Dome and the Wasteland area trailhead, with camping at both spots. The next right, a quarter mile or so on, leads to a maze of road with extensive free camping. There is also pay camping with more amenities at the end of the road into the east Stronghold.

On the west side, there is camping at the Sheepshead trailhead, and all along forest road 687, which eventually leads all the way in to the West Stronghold (parking for Whale Dome, Westworld, etc.). The sites near Sheepshead and Isle of Ewe are ideal for larger groups; the sites at the end of 687 are mostly smaller.

Guidebooks

Bob Kerry's Backcountry Rock Climbing in Southern Arizona has an extensive Cochise section. It's out of print, but accessible in its entirety on-line ( climbaz.com/Backcountry/backco... ). The listed routes are a drop in the bucket of the actual number of routes in the Stronghold. "Rock Climbing Arizona" and "Weekend Rock Arizona" also have some Cochise crags but are not as extensive as Kerry's guide and are really only worth getting if you'll be hitting several areas in Arizona. Other local guides/topos that may cover newer routes include Geir Hundal's (toofasttopos.com) and Scott Ayers' (cochiseclimbing.com).

Pair a Grins is an alternate way to finish Forest Lawn after climbing the first pitch of Forest Lawn. From the bolted belay anchor atop P1 of Forest Lawn, start up the flakes/crack to the right of the belay for about eight feet. A good .75 camalot and #3 camalot protect this section. Keep an eye out for the bolts out right on the arete of the crack--that's Pair a Grins. When you're about even with the first bolt, figure out the committing and tough moves to move out right onto the a...[more]Browse More Classics in AZ

Treat yourself to a really good cuppa joe in Willcox at Espresso. It's right across the street from the old train depot. Fresh sludge made by a fellow who moved to the desert six years ago after tiring of rainy Seattle. Also killer cinnamon rolls and other fresh-baked goodies, all with a friendly small-town ambiance that welcomed us after the de rigueur all-night drive from Denver.

What's My LIne isn't the only classic. If you're in the Stronghold, the best place to head is the Rockfellow group with stuff like Forest Lawn (5.9), Days of Future Past (5.9 R), Endgame (5.10), Abracadaver (5.11). etc. This area has tons of classics that would be plastered all over Climbing and Rock and Ice if you didn't have to do the stairmaster hike from hell to get there, but hey that's half the fun of climbing in Cochise. Be sure to check out westside classics like Moby Dick (5.8) and Warpaint (5.10c). Peace and may Cochise be with you.

I was thinking I would come and climb in the west stronghold near the end of march and stay for a week, culminating the trip with a visit to levithan dome and the surrounding area in the santa catalinas. What is the temp at these areas that time of year, is it possible to climb in cochise? levithan? I have the backcountry guide and I was wondering if any other route development/upkeep of anchors/protection bolts on levithan has happened since the printing of that book? thanks folks

Casey, As far as I know the few very old bolts on the north face route on Leviathon have not been replaced. But that said it's stil a great back country route worth the approach. I would suggest, in March, that you start hiking well before first light on the trail which should deposit you at the drainage to the dome at sun up. We did this route in April in twelve hours car to car. We, through the luck of the gods, dialed the approach in 2 hours. Add more time if you botch it. Kerrys guide is good if you pay attention. Bring a head lamp, days are short in March!! The approach sucks so fast and light is much better than heavy and slow, with an overnight. IMO.

I'm planning a trip into the Stronghold for Wed-Fri, unfortunately the weather looks terrible and I'm wondering if I should be concerned about the road into the west Stronghold, where we were planning to climb (i.e., if we get in there and then endure torrential downpours, will the drive out become problematic for our 2wd car?).

I'm assuming the east Stronghold road would be a better alternative but having never been to either, I just don't know--any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

Charles, I was just there yesterday. Middlemarch road is well-graded and no problem in any conditions, the road to Sheepshead could get a bit muddy but passable in a car. The end of the road into Whale Dome et al could be very difficult to travel in a car if it rains heavily.

The Falcon guide "RC:AZ" states the Cochise Campground has water. Is this the case and, if so, is the water on year-round? Sure would be nice to not haul 5 to 10 gallons of water down there on a road trip. :-) Thanks for any info you can provide.

We had issues with a chewed hole in a food pack left at the base of a climb. On several other days, we instead brought a backpack-style aluminum pot and lid for the food and put a large rock on top of that. Worked 3 out of 4 times with the 4th being a case where the pot was not supported on the sides and/or the hold-down rock being too light (~10 pounds). ... and leave pack pockets open.

My climbing partner and I are coming down from Alaska to take a winter break from ice climbing. Planning a trip to Cochise Stronghold January 11th through the 21st. What's the weather like this time of year? Looking for easier Trad climbs up to 5.7 and Sport climbs up to 5.9. We both like multi-pitch climbs. Any suggestions? Also considering Baboquivari Peak - do we need bring crampons, ice tools or an ice axe this time of year? Dave Lynch, Eagle River, Alaska

The weather will be great unless you get there the same time a winter storm arrives. Storms only last a day or two and the day time highs may only get into the 50's if a storm comes in. If the sun is out you Alaskans will be fine. It can snow there but that is rare, very rare. As far as routes go download tofast's topos. Should be enough there to keep you busy for a week. Babo is fun, and a lot of hiking for some okay climbing (SE arete) but a nice peak to get to the top of.

You can pretty much camp where ever you want, RV or tent. There are camping spots directly under some of the routes. You won't have far to walk at all. Once you get there you will realize finding a camping spot will not be hard. Have fun.

I see people have posted about the weather conditions at Cochise in January, October and March/April...but I am wondering about May. I am taking 3 months off and driving my camper van from the east coast out west. I was planning on hitting Boulder, CO first in late April, then AZ in May, then to Yosemite, Tuolomne, Lover's Leap and on from there. My 2 priority destinations in AZ are Mt. Lemmon and Cochise - is May too hot for Cochise?

Jean--I think May is pretty hot for Cochise. You can do it if you have high heat tolerance, chase shade, get up really early, etc. Heck, some of the area's main route developers climb there all summer. It's a bit much for me personally. You might consider substituting Paradise Forks for Cochise. Otherwise, if you get down here and find the Cochise heat not to your liking, there's plenty to keep you busy--great trad and sport--up high on Mt. Lemmon.

It depends on what areas you are trying to drive to. But yes, most of the roads shouldn't be to bad right now. Most times drove on middlemarch rd, I was in a small Honda. The worst was some rough washboard or a little bit of washed out road that you had to drive over slowly.

Hi I will be in Tucson next week and am looking to get out climbing. I have a flexible schedule and would like to get down to Cochise if possible. I am a very competent, yet out of shape climber who would like to stay in the 5.8-5.10 range. I don't mind taking a competent intermediate climber out.

Curtis: As Far as I know, the annual closures are from March 1st to June 30th. This is for the Rockefellow Group and Cochise Dome. If you have any questions look at the Access Fund website or contact the Douglas Range District they are very helpful.

Thanks Eric, I actually stopped by earlier today just for about 40 min or so. Managed to establish one problem out there, but a lot of potential to be had. I drive through here about twice a week, really lookin forward to putting some time in and seeing what else is capable out here. If anyone else is interested in joining me let me know. It'll be only me and my pad out here explorin.

Hey Mike, I will be more than happy to join you. Like a year or so I hike around with my pad (mike dudleys Pad) and my girlfriend. We put up some problems, but late we got concerned because a ranch near by decided to extend the fence and block the entranc through the wash. I did not have time to get with the rancher and talk to him, but like I said I will be more than happy to join you.

That sounds like Texas Canyon. Check out the Kerry book - I think there's a couple ropes climbs established there. There's certainly lots of bouldering problems put up all over out there but I don't think anything is documented. Mike D & I plinked around in the area south of the I10 there, on the big boulder in the circle area between the off/on ramps and also up on the north side. Lots of fun stuff out there. We got some looks from ranchers driving by when we were on the north side but no one stopped or talked to us.

Cochise Stronghold is a very sacred place for many. I have done many sweat lodges there, and would appreciate if the land is respected. If you are curious about doing a sweat lodge (for free, if any motherfucker asks you for money walk away!) or if you are interested in exactly how valuable and sacred this land is, call my friend ( a Yaki native) Charlie One Horse 520.508.1623.

does anyone climb out here at cochise on a regular basis? i just moved out here to pearce and i'm living 10 minutes away from the stronghold, but not knowing any other climbers out here makes it hard to climb lol

I'm on my way to Cochise for the first time, and decided to try to assemble the automotive approach beta for West Stronghold into a google map. Try this out and let me know if I need to fix it. I intentionally didn't draw in lines so it wouldn't obscure your view of the existing tracks in Satellite view. It's intended to be used together with the driving approach beta here on M.P.

Great map Luke; however, Isle of Ewe is incorrectly marked. Follow the road further north and look for a cattle guard. After the cattle guard turn right. In the satellite imagery there are cars at Sweet Rock. The turnoff is before the 90 degree bend in the road.

I don't think that Peregrin Closure info on the main stronghold page is up to date.... specifically states people are permitted to enter squaretop area, but when you look on FS website, the Squaretop zone is actually within the closure area. Could an administrator of the stronghold site double check this and update the info?

Called the ranger station this week...closures are still in effect until June 30th. Also, has anyone climbed here in the summer? Do the winds generally keep the heat at bay or should I look for an abnormally cool day to head down there?

This past weekend (10/8/16-10/9/16) my group was forced off the rock by a powerful storm and had to tie our ropes together and rappel down the face of What's My Line?. As such, our ropes are still up on the wall. If you happen to be climbing the route and find it in your heart, my partner and I would really appreciate the return of our trusty ropes. We will be returning later this week, but if you happen to climb it before we can return, please let me know. There's a reward in it for you!